INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
By Terry Wassink
My favorite tenet of taekwondo is “Indomitable Spirit”. I think it sums up the other tenets of taekwondo and epitomizes being a Martial Artist. So if you have an indomitable spirit you will show courtesy to others, and integrity, perseverance and self-control in all your actions.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines Indomitable as: “Incapable of being overcome, subdued, or vanquished; unconquerable”. So a person having an Indomitable Spirit would be a person who is incapable of being overcome or subdued. Our Indomitable Spirit is our very attitude about ourselves and can often be seen by our self-esteem. But even more, it is not allowing others to affect your belief in yourself.
I never understood the saying: “Sticks & Stones May Break My Bones, But Words Can Never Hurt Me.” Because words can hurt, especially when they come from someone who’s opinion matters to you. But maybe that’s the key, not that we should let words hurt from people that matter to us (family, good friends, etc.) but that we shouldn’t let words affect us from anyone else. So the girl in school that teases you for an outfit or haircut shouldn’t affect our self-esteem. The guy on the bus that won’t let you sit by him or makes fun of you and your friends is also someone whose opinion shouldn’t matter.
But, wow, that’s much easier to say than do. So how do we overcome those hurtful words? Remember, we are created in God’s image and He doesn’t create mistakes. We are fearfully and wonderfully made*. When we take what others say about us in that context, others can never prevail over us and dominate our outlook about ourselves.
And we have Indomitable Spirit because the Holy Spirit lives inside of each of us. Counter the negativity of others by surrounding yourself with people that have a positive (and hopefully Christian) view of life. Ask for their opinion on a situation where someone’s words or actions have bothered you. Ask your parents, teachers, best friend, black belt, etc. to help guide you through any difficulty you experience. And if that doesn’t work or you don’t want to share, pray about it and read your Bible because God certainly praises all your gifts and abilities. He is always encouraging and always with us. **
Having an indomitable spirit is not always easy but can always be done. Trust in the Lord, trust in your family and trust in yourself and you can overcome all obstacles.
* I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.—Ps 139:14
** Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6
** Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6
** “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11